When to book Thanksgiving and Christmas flights for the best deals, according to Google
Google Flights data suggests Christmas travelers may find the cheapest tickets about 56 days before departure. A broader window for favorable prices runs from 33 to 67 days ahead, putting the likely deal period in late October through mid-November.
For Thanksgiving, Hopper recommends flying on Monday or Tuesday before the holiday instead of Wednesday to potentially spend less. The company also advises avoiding the Sunday return date of Nov. 29.
Holiday airfares are elevated as conflict involving Iran has driven up oil and jet fuel costs. Fuel is a major airline expense after staffing, and global jet fuel prices rose from $99 per barrel before the conflict to a peak of $209 in April.
Hopper puts average domestic round-trip fares at $402 for Thanksgiving, 31% above last year. Christmas round trips average $452, a 23% year-over-year increase.
Travelers looking to cut costs can book within Google’s suggested window and consider less popular travel days. The data offers guidance, but does not guarantee a particular fare.
Key points
- Google identifies 56 days before Christmas as the lowest-fare timing, with a wider 33-to-67-day deal window.
- Hopper says Thanksgiving flights may cost less on Monday or Tuesday than Wednesday; avoid returning Nov. 29.
- Average domestic round trips are $402 for Thanksgiving and $452 for Christmas, both higher than last year.